Cleophas Shimanyula, owner of the killer bus that crashed in Fort Ternan is a shrewd businessman with links to politicians who have contributed to his wealth.
He owns powerful high-end vehicles with which he has revolutionised the car hire services in Kakamega.
Former presidential candidate Cyrus Jirongo hired his fleet of Prados for his campaign and also sought his influence to gather supporters.
When Musalia Mudavadi ran for the presidency in 2013, he also leased vehicles from Shimanyalu.
The businessman is reported to enjoy close ties with Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and a host of other Western Kenya politicians as well.
He single-handedly gave financial support to Kakamega Home Boyz Football Club before the County Government intervened.
Shimanyula also runs a cleaning firm, that is contracted by the county government to collect garbage in Kakamega town. It has an estimated workforce of about 500 who mainly comprise youth and women.
Despite his little education, his business acumen has baffled many. Those close to him describe Shimanyula as an industrious man who seizes every opportunity to make a maximum gain.
All his business interests estimated to be worth millions, fall under his Western Cross Express Company Limited.
Shimanyula and a co-director Bernard Shitiabayi were charged in a Molo court on Thursday, October 11 with manslaughter over the death of 56 people in the bus crash at Fort Tenan on Wednesday morning.
